There are certain everyday foods that you should eliminate as soon as possible, as they pose a deadly threat: they can be cancer-causing factors.
Processed Meat
Nutrition experts consider processed meat to be one of the most dangerous factors contributing to the potential development of cancer.
This category includes products like sausages, bacon, salami, ham, hot dogs, and many others that have been treated to extend shelf life or enhance flavor. The first items to be removed from your daily menu should be those that manufacturers have “improved” using chemical preservatives, such as nitrates.
When consumed, nitrates undergo a reaction that transforms them into so-called N-nitroso compounds (NOC). These can damage the cells lining the intestines, which in turn may lead to cancer, explain specialists from the charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) fully agree. They classify processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen—on par with smoking and alcohol.
Meanwhile, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK recommends that people who consume a lot of processed meat reduce their intake to 70 grams. This is equivalent to three slices of ham, two slices of bacon, or a small beef hamburger.
Red Meat
Experts urge people to cut back on steaks, hamburgers, lamb chops, fresh ground meat, frozen pork, beef, and lamb, as well as other red meat products. This is because red meat is also on the list of foods that can lead to the development of cancer, such as colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers.
Why is this the case? Researchers suggest that it has to do with a compound called heme, which contains iron and gives red meat its color.
Heme is an iron-containing compound that naturally occurs in red meat; during digestion, it can break down into N-nitroso chemicals that are known to cause cancer, according to CRUK specialists.
If red meat is eliminated from the diet, how can one obtain the beneficial nutrients it contains? Meat, for instance, is one of the primary sources of vitamin B12, which is vital for the nervous system, DNA production in cells, and blood renewal.
Additionally, red meat provides iron—an essential element for the formation of red blood cells—zinc, which helps the body create new cells and heal wounds, as well as other B vitamins that aid in releasing energy from food.
Renowned dietitian Dwayne Mellor from the British Dietetic Association (BDA) believes, “These key nutrients should be obtained from plant sources, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and dark green vegetables.”
As with processed meat, experts recommend consuming no more than 70 grams of red meat per day, according to the Daily Mail.
Sugary, Salty, and Fried Foods
“We recommend eating less overly processed food that is high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt. This includes items like cakes, cookies, pastries, chips, sugary drinks, and fast food like pizza and hamburgers,” noted Matthew Lambert, a dietitian at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
“These products lack fiber and the necessary nutrients, so they should only be consumed occasionally and in small portions,” he added.
In this case, the increased risk of cancer is linked to the fact that frequent consumption of such foods quickly leads to weight gain and, consequently, obesity. According to Mr. Lambert, excess weight is associated with at least 13 types of cancer!
Interestingly, according to CRUK, obesity is the second most significant cause of cancer in the UK.
Fat cells can also produce the hormone estrogen in postmenopausal women. This often leads to more frequent cell division—this time in the uterus and breast tissue, increasing the risk of cancer in these areas.
“People should eat more nutrient-rich foods, consuming at least five portions of different fruits and vegetables daily, and prioritize whole grains and legumes,” asserts Matthew Lambert.
He states that beans, lentils, seeds, unsalted nuts, and other products in this category contain the highest amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are crucial for preventing cancer.